ACCESS NL > Relocating to the Netherlands > Legal matters in the Netherlands > Getting married in the Netherlands > My partner and I are contemplating, registering our partnership. Can you please tell me how to go about with this and if there are any costs involved?

Getting married in the Netherlands

What types of relationship contracts are there in the Netherlands for couples?

What is the Dutch law on matrimonial property?

My partner and I would like to have a religious marriage. What are the steps involved?

What is the difference between marriage and registered partnership?

What are the steps to be followed and the costs to get married in the Netherlands?

What are the requirements to get married in the Netherlands?

My partner and I are contemplating, registering our partnership. Can you please tell me how to go about with this and if there are any costs involved?

The registered partnership provides almost the same rights and responsibilities as marriage and they both have similar steps.

If you plan to register your partnership, you first need to inform the gemeente (municipality) of the city of residence of one of the partners involved. This is called ondertrouw (notice of intent to marry). You need to do this at least two weeks before the intended date of the partnership registration which must take place within one year of submitting the notice. If the one-year period expires, then you need to resubmit another notice of intent to marry.

The documents needed may vary depending on nationality, previous marriages and residence status in the Netherlands. It is advisable to find out well in advance what documents you need to meet the requirements by contacting your local municipality. Required documents for both partners are similar to the documents requested for the marriage.